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Canada’s food safety authority revealed it intends to start a total removal of hundreds of ostriches at a farm after the country’s top court refused to stop the contentious cull.

Legal Obstacles Cleared by Court Ruling

The recent judicial decision eliminated any legal impediment to commencing the culling.

The ostrich farm, situated near the town of Edgewood, British Columbia, was first ordered in the month of May to cull close to 400 ostriches, amid concerns of an outbreak of bird flu.

Recently, officials seized control of the operation.

Sixty-nine birds have previously perished after the outbreak of a flu-like illness.

Midweek, the nation’s top court granted an temporary halt on the cull order as it considered whether to hear the case.

Political and Societal Reactions

The growing row over the birds – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have inspired protesters to gather at the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on online platforms.

The situation has also entered Canada’s federal politics.

In early October, the opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, was asked twice by journalists whether he backed the demonstrators.

The Tory leader has steered clear of making direct statements on the matter, despite many within his party protesting against the cull.

He told reporters the situation had been poorly handled from the start but avoided mentioning the word the bird’s name.

International Interest and Offers

A number of prominent individuals from the United States have lobbied authorities in Canada.

The US health secretary proposed to move the ostriches to his ranch in Florida.

An US wealthy businessman has also pleaded with the Canadian government to reverse its cull order.

Scientific and Ethical Arguments

The national authorities stated the relevant agency was adhering to a “stamping out” approach in order to contain the spread of bird flu, a move in line with broader guidance from international health bodies.

However, animal advocacy groups have called on the authority to perform further testing on the animals to confirm they are infected.

The farm owners claimed that because the most recent fatality occurred on January 15th, with the surviving majority appearing in good condition or healed, the flock has developed at least partial herd immunity against H5N1.

They have also cast doubt on the extent and effectiveness of testing on the birds.

Farm Spokesperson Response

Recently, the ranch representative, told the media that the authority was killing birds in good health.

“They are ancient creatures that have survived eons, but they will not survive the government agency,” she said.

A co-owner said he was concerned that there is no justice left”.

Court and Authority Findings

A national court, however, found that allowing the ostriches to stay alive could lead to the transmission of avian influenza to other animals, the livestock sector – or to people.

The agency has not said at what time it expects to start culling the ostriches.

Culling Methods

A 2016 guideline document, obtained under freedom of information laws, states the birds can be euthanized by different means, the preferred being lethal injection, which requires three people: one to hold the ostrich by restraining it, another to secure the head, and a third to administer the injection.

Staff can also use gas or break the birds’ necks.

Employees of the organization can only use firearms on the ostriches in extreme circumstances, if they have a “skilled marksman” on site.

Latest Updates

As per reports, soon after the judicial decision, agency workers began setting up more equipment and bright lights around a makeshift pen near the back of the ostrich pen.